Fuel additive and method for use

ABSTRACT

Methods of making fuel additives and fuel additive formulations are presented that include degummed lipid acid or lipid ester; a bean oil and/or seed oil; a pour point depressant; and glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate. The fuel additives can be added to any fuel and result in advantages such as an increased shelf life.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/669,345 (Docket #89-3), entitled “FUEL ADDITIVE AND METHOD FOR USE,” filed Jul. 9, 2012, by Clyde Ritter, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This specification relates generally to fuel additive formulations and methods of use.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions.

Fuel additives function to improve the efficiency with which fuel is burnt and/or to reduce harmful emissions in a fuel burning apparatus, such as an internal combustion engine. Fuels, such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel can be treated before or after-market, meaning before or after the manufacturer has manufactured the fuel. However, the manufacturer often adds their own fuel additive. Consequently, when using a fuel additive after-market, it is often less effective.

Specifications for fuel additives involve input from the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA's transportation fuel programs help protect public health and the environment by improving fuel quality and controlling fuel properties. Clean fuels help reduce harmful emissions from a wide variety of motor vehicles, engines, and equipment. EPA's gasoline regulations include the Tier 2 Gasoline Sulfur program, the Mobile Source Air Toxics rule, Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) regulations, and volatility requirements. Diesel fuel programs include regulations that significantly reduce the sulfur content of diesel fuel.

Previously produced fuel additives have a number of problems that make them less desirable for use in fuels, including both a short shelf life and high cost as well as being both complicated to use and not environmentally safe.

SUMMARY

Methods of making fuel additives and fuel additive formulations are presented that include degummed lipid acid or lipid ester; a bean oil and/or seed oil; a pour point depressant; and glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate. The fuel additives can be added to any fuel and result in advantages such as an increased shelf life.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following drawings like reference numbers are used to refer to like elements. Although the following figures depict various examples of the invention, the invention is not limited to the examples depicted in the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a system for making a fuel additive.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of making a fuel additive.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of using the fuel additive in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although various embodiments of the invention may have been motivated by various deficiencies with the prior art, which may be discussed or alluded to in one or more places in the specification, the embodiments of the invention do not necessarily address any of these deficiencies. In other words, different embodiments of the invention may address different deficiencies that may be discussed in the specification. Some embodiments may only partially address some deficiencies or just one deficiency that may be discussed in the specification, and some embodiments may not address any of these deficiencies. Thus, as shown in the examples, the fuel additives are safer for the environment.

At least one embodiment of the fuel additives provided herein have the following properties. The fuel additive can be added at production level (before-market) or as an after-market fuel additive. The fuel additives meet or exceed minimum requirements for finished fuels while offering the benefit of single application of a non-hazardous additive and can replace several additives currently in use at less cost to the fuel producer. The fuel additives are environmentally-responsible and contain no metals or sulfur.

The fuel additives provided herein meet ASTM requirements set forth by refining companies and show improvements of conductivity, lubrication, pour point and cetane number and index (see Examples). A number of other measurements determine overall diesel fuel quality—these other measures of diesel fuel quality include density, lubricity, cold-flow properties, and sulfur content. Cetane number or CN is a measurement of the combustion quality of diesel fuel during compression ignition. It is a significant expression of the quality of a diesel fuel.

While the fuel additives have utility as gasoline fuel additives, the fuel additives can also be used as fuel additives in other types of fuels without limitation, including: diesel, biodiesel, jet fuel, avgas, and fuel for any 2-stroke engine. In addition, the fuel additive can also be used in engine fuels without limitation. As such, as used herein the word “fuel” refers to any type of fuel or engine fuel. Gasolines are well known fuels, generally composed of a mixture of hydrocarbons boiling at atmospheric pressure in a very narrow temperature range (e.g., 77° F. to 437° F.). Gasolines are typically composed of mixtures of aromatics, olefins, and paraffins. Although some gasoline may also have such added non-hydrocarbons as alcohol (e.g., ethanol) or oxygenates (e.g., methyl tertiarybutyl ether). Gasolines may also contain various additives, such as detergents, anti-icing agents, demulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, dyes, deposit modifiers, as well as octane enhancers such as tetraethyl lead. However, gasoline used presently are unleaded gasoline (defined as having a concentration of lead no greater than 0.05 gram of lead per gallon).

As used herein, values described with the word about (e.g. about 30%) include all values within a 5-10% range of that number.

Examples of formulations of a fuel additive are provided that can be blended with another fuel. In some formulations, the fuel additive is blended with fuel at concentrations of from about 1% to about 99% by volume. Some formulations of the fuel additive can be blended with fuel at 30% to 99% for use in diesel engines throughout the world. Some formulations of the fuel additive can be blended with gasoline at 30% to 99% for use in gasoline engines throughout the world. In some formulations, the fuel additive can be blended with jet fuel at 30% to 99% for use in jet engines throughout the world.

Formulations of fuel additives may include a degummed lipid acid and/or lipid ester, a bean oil and/or seed oil (e.g., castor oil), a pour point depressant, and glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate (or mixtures of glycerol monooleate and glycerol monostearate). In other formulations, the fuel additive does not have all of the elements or features listed and/or has other elements or features instead of or in addition to those listed.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a system for making a fuel additive 100. System 100 may include degumming system 105, container for degummed lipid acids or lipid esters 110; container for bean oil and/or seed oil 120; container for pour point depressant 130; container for glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate 140; controller 150, pumps 155 a-d, vat 190, and stirring apparatus 195. In other embodiments, environment 100 may not have all of the components listed and/or may have other elements instead of, or in addition to, those listed above.

The system for making a fuel additive 100 can be an industrial process that includes a system for preparing the ingredients or components (the degummed lipid acids or lipid esters, the bean oil and/or seed oil, the pour point depressant, and the glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate), storing the ingredients in a tank, adding the amount of each ingredient using a computer to program the addition, and stirring the ingredients to make a homogeneous mixture. In this specification the terms ingredients and components are used interchangeably. Either term may be substituted for the other to obtain different embodiment.

The degumming system 105 functions to degum the lipid acids or lipid esters before they are used in the fuel additive. The degumming process primarily converts triglycerides to diglycerides or glycerides. Converting triglycerides to diglycerides or glycerides is useful because when triglycerides begin to reform, the shelf life of the fuel additive is reduced. Any degumming process can be used. For example, two degumming processes that may be used include a mechanical (centrifuge) and water (precipitation of phosphilates) degumming process. The mechanical process involves mechanically centrifuging the lipid acid or lipid ester, and then filtering and treating the lipid acid or lipid ester by bleaching with oxalic and phosphoric acids. The water method precipitates phosphilates out of the lipid acid or lipid ester by mixing the lipid acid or lipid ester with citric or other carboxylic acids. In at least one embodiment, the degumming process results in a small amount of metallic salts (as little as 2 ppm). In at least one embodiment, the degumming process leaves a trace of iron.

The container for degummed lipid acids or lipid esters 110 provides a holding place for the ingredient before the ingredients are mixed with the other ingredients to make up the fuel additive. The container 110 can be a tank or any other suitable holding container (the types of degummed lipid acids or lipid esters that can be used are discussed with reference to FIG. 2). The container can be any type of container as long as it does not change the chemistry of the degummed lipid acids or lipid esters. In other words, the container can be produced of an inert material. Alternatively, the container can be coated with an inert material. The container can include one or more pipes or flexible tubes that allow for movement of the degummed lipid acids or lipid esters into a central mixing bowl or vat. The movement of the materials as well as how much of the material is added can be controlled with one or more pumps that can be activated by a central computer.

The container for bean oil and/or seed oil 120 provides a holding place for one or more bean oil and/or seed oils before the oil is mixed with the other ingredients to make up the fuel additive. The container for bean oil and/or seed oil 120 can be configured to work like the container for degummed lipid acids or lipid esters 110. However, because it is an oil, the container may not need to be coated with a specialized material.

The container for pour point depressant 130 and the container for glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate 140 can be produced and attached to the vat or mixing container substantially as described for the container for degummed lipid acids or lipid esters 110. Since the order of addition of the ingredients to produce the fuel additive is not important, the ingredients can be directly added to the vat and/or the pipes can be configured as a single pipe with each ingredient added to a central pipe on the way to the vat. The controller 150 functions to monitor and control the process of mixing the ingredients in the specified ratio. The controller 150 can function to control the pumps and control the amount of each ingredient that is added to the vat. The pumps that are attached to the pipes or tubes for each of the ingredients can be controlled by the controller. The ingredients, including the degummed lipid acids or lipid esters, the bean oil and/or seed oil, the pour point depressant, and the glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate, can be added in the specific percentages discussed herein for each type of fuel additive. The controller 150 can control the amount of each ingredient to be allowed into the pipes and finally poured into the vat to produce the fuel additive. The controller 150 can be programmed to allow different percentages of each ingredient into the central vat. Thus, for example, the controller can be programmed to produce the fuel additive in Example 1 to have 25% degummed lipid acids (camelina or canola), 25% castor oil, 25% pour point depressant Viscoplex 10-340, and 25% glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate. In at least one embodiment, the controller 150 may also sense whether the containers for each ingredient (degummed lipid acids or lipid esters 110; container for bean oil and/or seed oil 120; container for pour point depressant 130; container for glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate 140) have less than the amount of the ingredient for a vat of the fuel additive. Although there may be a range of percentages of each ingredient that works well for different uses, the system can ensure quality control so that the customer gets the same fuel additive each time.

In at least one embodiment, the controller 150 includes a sensor feedback mechanism for each ingredient for determining whether the correct amount of that ingredient was added. In at least one embodiment, the controller 150 includes a sensor feedback mechanism for each ingredient for determining whether the tank storing the ingredient is empty and/or low.

The pumps 155 a-d work with the controller 150 to precisely add the amount of each ingredient to the vat. The pumps can be any type of pump. In at least one embodiment, the pumps 155 a-d are activated by the controller 150.

The vat 190 can be any type of container that allows for the mixing of the four ingredients to make up the fuel additive. For example, the vat 190 can be an industrial size mixing bowl. The vat 190 may include a temperature control and/or refrigeration or heating device as needed. The vat 190 may include a stirring apparatus to allow for complete mixing of the ingredients. The vat 190 may be of a size that allows for mixing a large amount of fuel additive for use alone or as a fuel additive.

The stirring apparatus 195 can be mounted within the vat 190 or can be lowered into the vat 190. In an embodiment, stirring apparatus 195 mixes the ingredients completely, but at a slow to moderate speed. The stirring apparatus can be controlled by the controller 150 or by a separate means. In at least one embodiment, a timer can be added to the stirring apparatus to control the amount of time that the ingredients are mixed to a homogeneous mixture. In at least one embodiment, a speed control can be added to the stirring apparatus to control and/or change the speed of mixing.

The fuel additive can be stored at room temperature for at least one year, including six months, seven months, eight months, nine months, ten months, and eleven months.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of making a fuel additive 200. Fuel additive 200 is a fuel additive that is produced having the properties discussed above.

In step 202 one or more degummed lipid esters or acids are added. Degummed lipid acids or degummed lipid esters included in the fuel additive can be produced using any appropriate degumming method. See FIG. 1 for more on the degumming process. The degummed lipid acids or lipid esters can be any lipid acids or lipid esters, including: camelina, canola, and soybean oil. However, any lipid acids or lipid esters and derivatives thereof can be used including methyl esters, such as soy methyl ester (SME) and rapeseed methyl ester (RME). In some formulations, any lipid acid groups with 10 to 40 carbon atoms with 1 to 3 bonds found in animal or vegetable oils is used. The lipid acids or lipid esters can be included in the formulation for the fuel additive at a percentage by volume of from about 0.5% to about 85%, including: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53.5, 54, 54.5, 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, 60, 60.5, 61, 61.5, 70, 71.5, 72, 72.5, 73, 73.5, 74, 74.5, 75, 75.5, 76, 76.5, 77, 77.5, 78, 78.5, 79, 79.5, 80, 80.5, 81, 81.5, 82, 82.5, 83, 83.5, 84, and 84.5%. In some formulations, the lipid acids or lipid esters are included in the formulation for the fuel additive at a percentage by volume of from about 5 to 70%. In some formulations, a mixture of lipid acids and lipid esters are included in the formulation for the fuel additive at a percentage by volume of from about 10 to 60%. In some formulations, the lipid acids or lipid esters are included in the formulation for the fuel additive at a percentage by volume of from about 10 to 40%. In some formulations, the degummed lipid acid or lipid ester is included at a percentage of from about 10% to about 25%.

In step 204, one or more bean oil and/or seed oils is added. In some formulations, the fuel additive can also include any bean oil and/or seed oils such as castor oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, coconut oil, palm oil, canola oil, rapeseed oil, camelina sativa oil, jatropha oil, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the mixture can include a mixture of one or more bean oils and one or more seed oils. The bean oil and/or seed oil can be included at a percentage by volume of about 0.5% to about 85%, including: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53.5, 54, 54.5, 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, 60, 60.5, 61, 61.5, 70, 71.5, 72, 72.5, 73, 73.5, 74, 74.5, 75, 75.5, 76, 76.5, 77, 77.5, 78, 78.5, 79, 79.5, 80, 80.5, 81, 81.5, 82, 82.5, 83, 83.5, 84, and 84.5%. In some formulations, the bean oil is included in the formulation for the fuel additive at a percentage by volume of from about 10 to 70%. In some formulations, the bean oil is included in the formulation for the fuel additive at a percentage by volume of from about 10 to 40%. In some formulations, the bean oil is included at a percentage of from about 15% to about 25%.

In step 206, one or more pour point depressants are added. Pour point depressants are designed to prevent wax crystals in lubricants from agglomerating or fusing together at reduced ambient temperatures. If lubricants are not adequately protected with pour point depressants, the flow characteristics can be adversely affected and the degraded flow characteristics may have a negative impact on engine performance and protection. Any pour point depressants can be used including: Viscoplex® 10-340, 10-305, and 10-310, EVONIK Industries, Parsippany, N.J. The pour point depressant can be included in the formulation for the fuel additive at a percentage by volume of from about 0.5% to about 85%, including: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53.5, 54, 54.5, 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, 60, 60.5, 61, 61.5, 70, 71.5, 72, 72.5, 73, 73.5, 74, 74.5, 75, 75.5, 76, 76.5, 77, 77.5, 78, 78.5, 79, 79.5, 80, 80.5, 81, 81.5, 82, 82.5, 83, 83.5, 84, and 84.5%. In some formulations, the pour point depressant is included in the formulation for the fuel additive at a percentage by volume of from about 5 to 70%. In some formulations, the pour point depressant is included in the formulation for the fuel additive at a percentage by volume of from about 10 to 40%. In some formulations, the pour point depressant is included at a percentage of from about 10% to about 25%.

In step 208, the fuel additive can also include one or more glycerol monooleates (GMO) or glycerol monostearates (GMS). Alternatively, mixtures of GMO and GMS can be used. The GMO or GMS can be included in the formulation for the fuel additive at a percentage by volume of from about 0.5% to about 85%, including but not limited to: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53.5, 54, 54.5, 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, 60, 60.5, 61, 61.5, 70, 71.5, 72, 72.5, 73, 73.5, 74, 74.5, 75, 75.5, 76, 76.5, 77, 77.5, 78, 78.5, 79, 79.5, 80, 80.5, 81, 81.5, 82, 82.5, 83, 83.5, 84, and 84.5%. In some formulations, the GMO or GMS is included in the formulation for the fuel additive at a percentage by volume of from about 5 to 70%. In some formulations, the GMO or GMS is included in the formulation for the fuel additive at a percentage by volume of from about 10 to 50%. In some formulations, the GMO or GMS is included at a percentage of from about 25% to about 50%.

In step 210, the mixture is mixed at a temperature of between about 84° F. to about 100° F., including: 85, 85.5, 86, 86.5, 87, 87.5, 88, 88.5, 89, 89.5, 90, 90.5, 91, 91.5, 92, 92.5, 93, 93.5, 94, 94.5, 95, 95.5 96, 96.5, 97, 97.5, 98, 98.5, and 99° F. until the components are completely mixed (e.g., the composition is homogeneous). The method of mixing can include any appropriate method including mechanical stirring at a low to medium speed. In at least one embodiment, the mixing is by continuous mild mechanical agitation (e.g., an agitation having a Reynolds number of 10 or less, 400 or less, 2300 or less, or 10,000 or less).

In another embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in FIG. 2, steps 202-210 may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, method 200 may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of method 200 may be performed in another order. Subsets of the steps listed above as part of method 200 may be used to form their own method.

In at least one embodiment, a method of preparing a fuel additive is provided, the method comprising admixing a degummed lipid acid and/or lipid ester, a seed or bean oil, a pour point depressant, and a glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate (or mixtures). In other formulations, the fuel additive does not have all of the elements or features listed and/or has other elements or features instead of or in addition to those listed. In some embodiments, the bean oil and/or seed oil is castor oil. In some embodiments, the degummed lipid acid or lipid ester, a seed or bean oil, a pour point depressant, and a glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate are admixed at a temperature of from about 84° F. to about 100° F., including: 85, 85.5, 86, 86.5, 87, 87.5, 88, 88.5, 89, 89.5, 90, 90.5, 91, 91.5, 92, 92.5, 93, 93.5, 94, 94.5, 95, 95.5 96, 96.5, 97, 97.5, 98, 98.5 and 99° F. In some embodiments, degummed lipid acid or lipid ester, a seed oil and/or bean oil, a pour point depressant, and a glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate are admixed at about 90° F. In some embodiments, keeping the temperature of mixing between 84° F. to about 100° F. ensures a shelf life of up to about 6 months after blending with neat fuels. In some embodiments, the components are admixed for about 10 minutes to about 40 minutes, including: 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.5. In some embodiments, the components of the fuel additive are admixed in the following order: first—degummed lipid acid or lipid ester, second—seed or bean oil, third—the pour point depressant, and last—the glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate (or mixture of GMO and GMS) and then the mixture is admixed for about 10 to 30 minutes.

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of using a fuel additive 300 in which a fuel additive is used alone or admixed with a fuel.

In step 310, the type of engine is identified in which the fuel additive will be used. The engine might include a diesel engine, an automobile engine (a gas engine) or a jet engine. The type of engine may influence the composition of the fuel additive. Thus, for example, a jet fuel might have a lower percentage of degummed lipid acid or lipid ester and/or castor bean oil (see, for example, Example 3). A decision can be made at this point whether to use the fuel additive alone as the fuel or to use a fuel composition of the fuel additive mixed with a fuel.

The fuel additive can be mixed with a fuel to create a fuel composition. In step 320, the fuel additive is mixed with a fuel. In some embodiments, the fuel additive is admixed with before-market or after-market fuels. In some embodiments, the fuel additive is admixed with conventional diesel, biofuels, avgas, automobile gas, jetfuel and/or engine oil at about 2 to about 99%, including: 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53.5, 54, 54.5, 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, 60, 60.5, 61, 61.5, 70, 71.5, 72, 72.5, 73, 73.5, 74, 74.5, 75, 75.5, 76, 76.5, 77, 77.5, 78, 78.5, 79, 79.5, 80, 80.5, 81, 81.5, 82, 82.5, 83, 83.5, 84, 84.5, 85, 85.5, 86, 86.5, 87, 87.5, 88, 88.5, 89, 89.5, 90, 90.5, 91, 91.5, 92, 92.5, 93, 93.5, 94, 94.5, 95, 95.5 96, 96.5, 97, 97.5, 98, and 98.5%. In some embodiments, the fuel additive is admixed with regulated or unregulated diesel at about 2 to about 20%. In some embodiments, the fuel additive is admixed with biodiesel at about 2 to about 20%. In some embodiments, the fuel additive is admixed with avgas at 1 oz. per 10 gallons, including: 1 oz. per 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, and 15 gallons. In some embodiments, the fuel additive is admixed with automobile gas and/or jet fuel at 1 oz. per 15 gallons fuel, including: 1 oz. per 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, and 20 gallons.

In step 330, the fuel additive is used alone as a fuel. The fuel additive can be used in any appropriate engine. The fuel additive can be directly added to the fuel tank in the engine.

In another embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in FIG. 3, steps 310-330 may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, method 300 may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of method 300 may be performed in another order. Subsets of the steps listed above as part of method 300 may be used to form their own method.

A method of operating an engine using the fuel additive can include fueling the engine with a fuel composition comprising the fuel and a fuel additive comprising one or more degummed lipid acids and/or lipid esters, one or more seed or bean oils, one or more pour point depressants, and one or more glycerol monooleates or glycerol monostearates.

The fuel additives were developed to address unacceptable fuel character when blended with fuels, such as shelf life, conductivity, stratification, and low temperature properties. The additives pass EPA rules for fuel additives having only Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Oxygen. Examples of formulations for the fuel additives are provided in Examples 1-3. The additives were tested in engines in Example 4 and found to provide improved performance of the fuels.

EXAMPLE 1 Gas and Diesel Engine Fuel Additive

The four components were used in the environmentally responsible fuel additive (as registered with the EPA). The following was used for gas and diesel engines:

-   -   25% degummed lipid acids, preferred camelina or canola (Ester         forms will work as well including soybean oil)     -   25% castor oil     -   25% pour point depressant Viscoplex® *see below     -   25% glycerol monooleate or glycerol Monostearate     -   *other EVONIC pour point specific products will work (e.g.,         Viscoplex® 10-305 or Viscoplex® 10-310)

The degumming process involves carbonylization of alcohols. The degumming process by Andrew Logan was used in the following examples and primarily converts triglycerides to diglycerides or monoglycerides. When triglycerides begin to reform, the shelf life is affected. The degree to which the lipid acids and lipid esters have been degummed can be measured by measuring conductivity (e.g., in picosiemens per meter (pS/m)). As the conductivity drops, the triglycerides are reforming and may render stored fuels unusable. Conductivity is critical to preventing inadvertent spark ignition during fuel transfer. The minimum requirement for jet fuels is 50 pS/m. In at least one embodiment, one or more components can be adjusted for a specific performance character, including: conductivity, pour point/cloud point, lubricity, and cetane number. A measure of when a fuel composition is at or near the fuel's cloud point is the conductivity of the fuel. For example, water has a conductivity of 100 mS cm−1 and ethanol has a conductivity of 20-30 mS cm−1. Fuels such as gasoline or diesel, being non-polar, have a conductivity of substantially zero.

The components were mixed as follows using continuous mild agitation. Degummed seed oil was poured into a vessel to 25% by volume and heated to about 84° F. to about 100° F., then castor oil was added at 25% and the blend was allowed to reach about 84° F. to about 100° F., then Viscoplex® pour point depressant was added to 25% and allowed to mix to reach about 84° F. to about 100° F. Finally, 25% GMO or GMS was added and the blend was maintained at about 84° F. to about 100° F. with mild agitation for 20 minutes (for example by bubbling an inert gas at a superficial gas velocity of 1 ft/min).

Elemental tests by ANA LAB, Spokane Wash. proved there were no metals, oxides of metals, salts or sulfur in the above fuel additive. Organics tests by Huffman Laboratories proved that the only elemental components of the fuel additive were

-   Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Oxygen as follows: (Percent by     volume) -   Carbon 75.06% -   Hydrogen 11.39% -   Nitrogen 0.03% -   Oxygen 13.665%

The total percentage was more than 100% because different methods were used for the tests.

This formula was tested in gasoline vehicles and showed improvement in fuel economy (see Example 4). This means the fuel additive can work in both gas and diesel engines as a fuel extender. The ratio of components can be changed slightly for specific purposes.

As discussed previously, the elemental tests concluded that there were no metals or sulfur contained in the fuel additives provided herein (only C, H, N and O). Therefore, the fuel additives provided have the added benefit of being more environmentally friendly.

EXAMPLE 2 Winter Diesel Additive

The second fuel additive was prepared as a seasonal additive specific for winter diesel by lowering the pour point. This additive was used for diesel which already had additives applied by the producer of the diesel. This additive (Real Tech WD) had more pour point depressant and less castor, camelina and GMO.

-   10% degummed lipid acid or lipid ester forms. -   15% castor -   25% GMO -   50% Viscoplex® 10-340* -   *Other EVONIC pour point specific products will work ie; Viscoplex®     10-305, 10-310, Viscoplex® 10-330.

The components were mixed as follows using continuous mild agitation. Degummed lipid acid or lipid ester was poured into a vessel to 10% by volume and heated to 90° F., then castor oil was added at 15% and the blend was allowed to reach 90° F., then Viscoplex® pour point depressant was added to 50% and allowed to mix to reach 90° F. Finally, 25% GMO or GMS was added and the blend was maintained at 90° F. with mild agitation for 20 minutes. The temperature allowed for a reasonable shelf life for the product of up to 6 months when mixed with neat fuels as compared to 6 weeks with conventional fuels.

EXAMPLE 3 Jet Fuel Additive

The following data acquired from neat diesel fuels (neat=100%) indicate this product can be custom formulated to address jet fuel requirements.

The results of the test discussed in Example 3 for the diesel fuel additive are similar or equal to jet fuel requirements as follows:

-   Cetane number ASTM D-613 (measured data) 41.4, required 40 -   Pour point ASTM D-97 results −25 F. min required +10 F. -   HFRR ASTM D-6097 (Measured data) wear scar 0.360 mm. max allowed     0.520 mm. -   OEM suggests wear scar max. 0.450 for optimum durability of their     diesel engines.

Thus, the ratio of components in the fuel additive in Example 2 is adjusted and can be used to replace STADIS 450 as a jet fuel anti static additive at a lower cost. 25% Degummed lipid acids, preferred camelina or canola (Ester forms will work as well including soybean oil

-   25% castor oil -   25% Pour point depressant Viscoplex® 10-340* -   25% Glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate -   *other EVONIC pour point specific products will work (e.g.,     Viscoplex® 10-305 or Viscoplex® 10-310) or: -   10% degummed lipid acid or lipid ester forms. -   15% castor oil -   25% GMO -   50% Viscoplex® 10-340* -   *Other EVONIC pour point specific products will work (e.g.,     Viscoplex® 10-305, 10-310, Viscoplex® 10-330.

EXAMPLE 4 Testing Fuel Additives

The fuel additive of example 1 was tested as follows: Lubricity in these diesel fuels was measured by HFRR (high frequency reciprocating rig), Specific improvements were measured by CORE-LAB Houston, Tex. as follows;

-   Cetane number ASTM D-613 (measured data) 41.4, required 40 -   Pour point ASTM D-97 results −25 F. min required +10 F. -   HFRR ASTM D-6097 (Measured data) wear scar 0.360 mm. max allowed     0.520 mm. -   OEM suggests wear scar max. 0.450 for optimum durability of their     diesel engines.

As shown in Table 2, the fuel additive in Example 2 (Real Tech D) met or exceeded all minimum requirements for Montana Refining Co. finished diesel and bio diesel.

Next, the fuel additives in Examples 1 and 2 were tested in fuels as a before-market or after-market additive in the appropriate engines. The tests determined whether the fuel additive increased fuel efficiency and whether the fuel additive decreased emissions such as CO, NOx and particulate matter. The fuel containing the additive was compared with the fuel alone.

The additive was applied to straight diesel and or bio diesel from 1% to 100% used in a diesel engine and tested for conductivity, low temperature property, oxidative stability and stratification. The results of the Core Lab tests are shown in Table 1.

As applied to neat diesel fuel, the ratio tested was 4000 parts fuel to 1 part fuel additive from Example 2 (Real Tech D). The fuel and additive were tested and the analytical report was found to meet ASTM requirements. Other ratios were tested including 2500/1 down to 5000/1 and showed similar results.

TABLE 1 Analytical Report (Core Lab, Deer Park TX) Test Result Units Method API Gravity 33.0 @60 F. ASTM D-4052 Carbon Residue-Rams. 0.061 WT % ASTM D-524 D86 10% Resid Cetane Index, Calculated 42.7 ASTM D-976 Cetane Number 41.4 ASTM D-613 Color L ASTM D-1500 of 1.0 Corrosion, Copper Strip 1A 3 hrs ASTM D-130 @122 F. Density 0.8595 gm/mL ASTM D-4052 @60 F. Distillation ASTM D-86 IBP 363 Deg. F.  5% Rec 407 Deg. F. 10% Rec 436 Deg. F. 20% Rec 459 Deg. F. 30% Rec 468 Deg. F. 40% Rec 495 Deg. F. 50% Rec 502 Deg. F. 60% Rec 531 Deg. F. 70% Rec 548 Deg. F. 80% Rec 568 Deg. F. 90% Rec 597 Deg. F. 95% Rec 638 Deg. F. FBP 659 Deg. F. Recovery 99.0 Vol % Residue 0.6 Vol % Loss 0.4 Vol % Flash Point, PMCC 168 Deg. F. ASTM D-93A Kinematic Viscosity 2.84 cSt ASTM D-445 @ 104 F. Lubricity, HFRR ASTM D-6079 Major Axis 390 um Minor Axis 280 um Test Temperature 60 Deg C. Scar Description Oval ID of Test Specimens 4655 v572/32 WEAR SCAR AVERAGE 340 um Pour Point −25 Deg F. ASTM D-97 Water and Sediment <0.0005 Vol % ASTM D-2709 Specific Gravity 0.8604 @60/60 ASTM D-4052 Deg F. Sulfur, Total by X-Ray <0.0100 WT % ASTM D-4294 Fluoresc.

The Feed stock at refineries varies so the fuel additive can be adjustable for continued optimum results of finished fuels.

EXAMPLE 5 Testing Fuel Additives in After-Market Fuels

The fuel additives in Examples 1 and 2 were tested in aftermarket applications. Aftermarket application of diesel fuel was field tested in a Ford 7.3 liter diesel engine and found satisfactory at a ratio of 1 oz/15 gals diesel. The tests showed a reduction in diesel emissions.

Aftermarket additives RT G (gasoline) were field tested at 1 oz. per 15 gals pump fuel and found to improve mileage. Thus, the product can be added to vehicles by the owner/operator to existing fuels with unknown additives from a producer or distributor. The additive showed improved performance and could be adjusted to a low dose of 1 oz/20 gals gasoline to a high of 1 oz/5 gals. The results are shown in Table 2:

TABLE 2 Montana Refining Company testing #2 Diesel Test Specification Test Method Gravity, API, MIN 30 ASTM D-287 Color, Max 2.5 ASTM D-1500 Flash Point, PM, ° F. MIN 100 ASTM D-93 Flash Point In House 115 BS & W, MAX 0.05 ASTM D-2709 Distillation* ASTM D-86 90% Recovered MIN 540 90% Recovered MAX 640 Viscosity, cst@ 104° F. ASTM D-445 MIN 1.7 SUMMER MIN 1.9 WINTER MAX 3.4 WINTER & SUMMER Pour Point, ° F., MAX (COLDER ASTM D-97 THAN) WINTER (OCT 16-MAR 15) −20 SUMMER (MAR 16-OCT 15) +10 Sulfur, WT %, MAX 0.0015 (15 ASTM D-4294 PPM) Cetane Index, MIN 40 ASTM D-976 Carbon Residue on 10% ASTM D-524 Distill Res. % MASS, MAX 0.35 Corrosion, 3 HRS @ 122° F., MAX 3 ASTM D-130 Lubricity, HFFR @ 60° C. MAX 520 ASTM D-6079 *when a pour point of less than 0 degrees F. is specified, the minimum 90% distillation shall be waived.

The tests showed that the fuel additives are environmentally responsible and can exceed the minimum requirements for finished fuels while offering the benefit of a single application of a non-hazardous additive and can replace several additives currently in use at less cost to the fuel producer. Alternatively, the additive can be used after-market, for example in gasoline to increase the efficiency of the fuel.

Each embodiment disclosed herein may be used or otherwise combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed. Any element of any embodiment may be used in any embodiment.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made without departing from the essential teachings of the invention, without departing from the essential teachings of the invention. 

1. A fuel additive composition of at least four components comprising: from about 0.5% to about 85% of degummed lipid acids or lipid esters; from about 0.5% to about 85% of castor oil; from about 0.5% to about 85% of pour point depressant; and from about 0.5% to about 85% of glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the degummed lipid acids or lipid esters are chosen from camelina, canola and soybean oil.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the pour point depressant is Viscoplex® 10-340.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the percentages of each component is about 25%.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is 25% camelina or canola oil, 25% castor oil, 25% pour point depressant, and 25% glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is 10% degummed lipid acid or lipid esters, 15% castor oil, 50% pour point depressant, and 25% glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate.
 7. The composition of claim 6 wherein the pour point depressant is Viscoplex® 10-305 or Viscoplex® 10-310.
 8. A method comprising running a diesel engine during winter time on diesel fuel mixed with the composition of claim
 6. 9. A composition comprising the fuel additive of claim 1 and jet fuel.
 10. The composition of claim 1 wherein adding the composition as an additive to gasoline results in improved fuel economy when compared to the gasoline used by itself.
 11. The fuel additive of claim 1 further comprising fuel at a ratio of additive to fuel of 0.1 to 99%.
 12. A composition comprising the fuel additive of claim 11 and a fuel chosen from diesel, biodiesel, gasoline, and jet fuel.
 13. A method of preparing a fuel additive, comprising: admixing the following components at a temperature between about 84° F. and 100° F. in the following sequence: from about 0.5% to about 85% of degummed lipid acids or lipid esters are placed in a vessel and heated to about 84° F. to 100° F.; from about 0.5% to about 85% of castor oil is added and the mixture is heated to about 84° F. to 100° F;from about 0.5% to about 85% of pour point depressant is added and the mixture is heated to about 84° F. to 100° F.; and from about 0.5% to about 85% of glycerol monooleate or glycerol monostearate is added and the mixture is blended at about 84° F. to 100° F. for about 20 minutes with mild agitation.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the admixing is by continuous mild mechanical agitation.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the temperature is about 90° F.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein the pour point depressant is selected from the group consisting of Viscoplex® 10-305, Viscoplex® 10-310, and Viscoplex® 10-340.
 17. The method of claim 13 wherein the degummed lipid acids or lipid esters is camelina or canola oil. 